So you finally found the courage to go live and you already have a list of topics that you want to discuss. You may even have practiced and practiced in front of the mirror to overcome your stage fright but there is still one set of checklist that you need to have before you actually go live especially if you are using your laptop or desktop.
FRAME YOUR SHOT
Sometimes you can become so overwhelmed about the little things that it is only after you live stream that you realized that your light was too bright and you look like a ghost. There could also be something unflattering behind you that is shown on camera. When you frame your shot, you can check to see what the camera is seeing which is also what your audience will be seeing. Make sure you pick out your best angle because that’s what your viewers will be looking at for at least the next few minutes.
MIC TEST 1 2 3
Now that you’ve framed your shot and presented your best angle, it’s time to make sure that they can hear you. Scratchy noises must be avoided at all times and minimizing background noise is also important. You need to make sure any devices that emit sound is placed into silent mode so that there would be no unnecessary interruptions in the middle of your streaming.
Someone once said that we have been able to send a man to the moon but everything still goes haywire the moment we try to go live. Make sure that you can minimize or avoid this happening during your live sessions because your viewers will lose interest if your live videos constantly experience technical difficulties.
Internet connection?—?make sure that this is optimized and steady.
Battery life of your laptop?—?The rule of thumb is to have 1% battery life for every minute that you plan to be live.
Equipments such as lights and microphone?—?Make sure that all the plugs are in their proper place and that no one can trip on them or no pet can play with them. Since a lot of you guys live stream from your home, you can avoid having your pets, kids, and family members tripping on the cords and plugs by ensuring everything is secure.
ARE YOU CONNECTED?
Now that the basics have all been taken cared of, you need to make sure that the most important part of this live stream is comfortable. Why does it matter? Well, you don’t want to be sitting in front of a camera, talking to hundred of people online and experience a cramp because you are not seated well. You also don’t want to have to interrupt your show because your leg has fallen asleep or your back aches and what not.
It’s important that you are comfortable in front of the camera, whether you are standing or sitting down, because your audience will notice even the most minute reaction on your face. Remember that they will be staring at your face and even the smallest detail will be seen.
Finally …
IMPROVISATION vs STRUCTURE
Just because you are going live does not mean that you can just talk your way without any structure or outline. You should apply an 80/20 rule where 80% of what you will say comes from a structure so you don’t go off topic while 20% is for candid moments as well as engaging your audience. If you apply this rule to your live streams, it will become more interesting as well as informative.
So, tell us, have you started your first live stream yet? If you are about to, be sure to try out BeLive.tv so you can launch your first live stream without a hitch.
Kathy Kenny Ngo is BeLive’s Content Manager. She handles all content on the blog as well as everything media and brand related. You may email her at kathy@belive.tv
